How Can You Save Mountain Gorillas From Extinctions : Mountain gorillas for a long time have been critically endangered species that face extinction. But in the past years, due to conservation efforts mountain gorilla species have been moved from the critically endangered list to the international union for conservation of natures endangered species list [IUCN]. Mountain gorillas are indigenous species of the albertine area and bwindi forest. Mountain gorillas are found in 4 national parks in countries of Rwanda, Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo. The national parks include Bwindi impenetrable national forest, mgahinga gorilla’s national park, volcanoes national park and virunga national park. According to the recent census, the number of mountain gorillas in the world had increased to 1,063 individuals. Since mountain gorillas survive in the wild and not in captivity besides the lowland gorillas which are seen in zoos around the world.
The most amazing facts about the mountain gorillas is the 99% DNA that is shared with humans. Therefore with the need to bond with man’s closest relative is natural, such intimate contact with the endangered species is not in its best interests. This is because disease transmission due to human contact is a significant concern for mountain gorillas where some become unwell as a result of being close to humans. Tourism and efforts of scientists and researchers are critical to the survival of the mountain gorillas. Therefore, there are a number of ways an individual may help in the survival and thriving of these individuals and these include;
HOW TO SAVE MOUNTAIN GORILLAS
POSTPONE YOUR GORILLA SAFARI IF NOT WELL
Due to their closeness to humans, mountain gorillas are open to many of the same viral illnesses that affect humans. Mountain gorillas are also immunological to specific diseases meaning they are vulnerable to some human diseases due to their closeness to humans. Mountain gorillas have died as a result of illness that come from humans according to research by the gorilla doctors and experts. The general infection is the respiratory illness that vary from a simple cold to a serious case of pneumonia. Therefore in order to protect the mountain gorillas from such diseases, national parks officials recommend that incase one is ill or has fever should not engage in the trekking of gorillas.
MAINTAIN A 7 METRE DISTANCE FROM MOUNTAIN GORILLAS
While on the gorilla trekking activity, tourists are told to maintain the 7 meters away from the mountain gorillas to reduces on the possibility of illness transmission and avoid disrupting the normal behavior of the mountain gorillas. The gorillas especially the young ones are unaware of the regulations and may tend to approach the tourists but since the tourists are told to back away and avoid touching the animals if possible.
TREK MOUNTAIN GORILLAS IN RWANDA, UGANDA AND CONGO
Mountain gorillas would have vanished if the gorilla tourism hadn’t been in existence. Therefore in order to conserve the gorillas, the governments of Rwanda, Uganda and Congo have maintained the gorilla’s volcanic habitat off-limits to cultivation and mostly due to cash generated by tourists surpasses the value of utilizing park property for other reasons. The gorilla trekking permits are expensive but by purchasing them, you are providing an economic incentive for their protection, How Can You Save Mountain Gorillas From Extinctions
TAKE PART IN OTHER ACTIVITIES DURING THE GORILLA TREKKING SAFARI
While on the trekking, tourists spend a day or two days of the trekking the gorillas and then leave. However the national parks offer other amazing nature experiences. The cash generated from the activities, incentives from government and local communities help to conserve the mountain gorilla habitat.
DONATE TO GORILLA CONSERVATION ORGANIZATIONS
Donating money to groups working on the ground to save mountain gorillas is among the efficient methods to aid the species. Several groups such as gorilla fund, Dian Fossey foundation have spent years researching viable techniques for safeguarding mountain gorillas and the funding comes from grants and contributions.
DON’T PURCHASE ORNAMENTS MADE OUT OF GORILLA PARTS
Mountain gorillas have been poached and this has disrupted the ecology and raised danger of zoonotic disease transmission. The primary goal of poaching is to get wild animals skins, bones, bush meat and ivory which are used to make crafts as well as other tourists-oriented things. Therefore if you see or hear someone selling a live wild animal, they should report to the national park authorities. This helps the animals to be rescued from those individuals.
SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES AND COMMUNITY PROJECTS WITHIN GORILLA NATIONAL PARKS
However, the government and conservation groups are working hand in hand to conserve the gorillas, the assistance from the local communities surrounding the park is important in ensuring the gorillas are preserved and protected within their habitat. Therefore tourists may contribute by patronizing local restaurants, stores as well as other businesses or by donating to community initiatives across the park.
SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT GORILLA TREKKING AND CONSERVATION
Through informing friends and family as well as the surrounding community about the mountain gorillas as well as the efforts and need to conserve them. Despite being endangered, mountain gorillas have a happy ending and are non-human great ape subspecies that keep increasing in population. When Dian Fossey began investigating gorillas in the mid-1980s, less than 250 animals were tallied but of late the population has increased to 800 creatures. With more efforts added the mountain gorilla have more chances of survival, How Can You Save Mountain Gorillas From Extinctions
RESPECT THE RULES AND REGULATIONS OF GORILLA TREKKING
While on the mountain gorilla trekking activity, the park rangers and guides give the tourists the rules and regulations of the trekking such as how to behave when with the gorillas, what to do when the gorilla charges among others. Each of the gorilla family is limited to 8 members in order to make the mountain gorillas comfortable with human intervention. Trekkers are expected to refrain from feeding the mountain gorillas, keep a 7 meters distance and as well keep their voices low among others. By respecting and following the rules and regulations, you are helping in conserving the mountain gorillas within their natural habitat.